Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-11-24

duced by the mention OF Sam Patch's leap
having vanished entirely from her mind. Her
musical laugh arose above the roar OF the
falls In the clear evening air, and her pure
young heart beat lightly within her bosom.
She little imagined how soon, alasl grief
terrible, Intense grief-would pierce that
heart, and fearless sorrow burn with cruel
torture those sparkling, laughing eyes.
As soon "a the little party was out OF sight
Mr.. Thorndyke turned toward Frederick and
said:
"Shall we not follow themr
Frederick started from his revere ana look
ed up. He realized for the first time that he
was alone with his employer-the OLD man
whose life only stood between him and for.
tune A sudden tremor seized him, and
strange, wild light shone from his eyes. Mr..
Thorndyke, noticed the peculiar change In his
appearance, approached him
"What Is the matter, Frederick, my boyW
he said "You are not we'll. !"
T-I-am perfectly WE'LL" he replied in a
husky voice: then lie suddenly raised his eyes
to his companions face, aud in a low, distinct
voice added "You told me today the will
you made In England has not been de-
stroyed."
at has not BEEN" replied Mr.. Thorndyke,
in amazement; "but | have written To
Lambley g. Dade explaining my intentions,
and requesting them To destroy IL, together
with other worthless papers In their posses
sion. You mailed the letter this evening
But why do you ask this question:
ITO satisfy a doubt" replied the young
man, adding in more composed tone, alter
brief pause: "You are m stallen about the
letter you wrote to Lanbley Il Dade. 1t was
not mailed-it Is here In my pocket"
"In your pocketi' exclaimed the old gentle
man, In bewilderment. IL do not understand
you"
t'Then l will explain myself he replied.
TN England you made me your heir. / have
Toasted my imagination on golden dreams =
pictured future OF wealth and happiness
To-day you see fit to change your mnd-tell
me you intend to revoke your former will. But
have thought of this great wealth too long
to suffer its loss. am determined to possess
it. Your life is the only inpediment which
stands In my way TO fortune, and that impedi-
ment intend .his night To rem we"
"Greas beaven" exclaimed the old man,
in horror. "You mes D"
"To kill you"' Kissed Norton, suddenly
sprnglng forward and grasp'ns him by the
throat. ea'.,
"Helpi helpp' shouted the feeble OIL man
But his voice was drowned by the roar of
the falls. lie made violent effort TO release
| himself from the grip of his powerful OPP
| ponent, but in vain. The cruel grasp closed
tighter aud tighter about his throat The
| face before him wore no longer a human ex-
preston. The steel-gray eyes seemed to start
from their sockets, and glow with fierce,
wild light. Every feature was horribly dis
torted-it was the face OF fiend. The old
man fought bravely, but he was no match for
HIS muscular antagonist They were but Q
| few feet from the edge of the preclpice, along
| which ran a slender guard-rail. Nearer and
nearer the awful abyss Norton dragged his
victim. At length they were within foot of
| the rail. Norton reached forward and clutch
ed il with one hand, holding the exhaust ed
man with the other. 1t was loose. He tore
| it from its place, and, lifting his powerless
victim in his arms he plunged him backward
into the seething, foaming waters below.
'Help! helpr' rang out voice above tbt
clamor Of the falls Ella Thorndyke dropped
| her companions arm, and strained her ears
| to listen. Help! help" again the cry arose.
Something has happened." she exclaimed,
exctedly. some one is calling for help.
Let US go back at oncc!'' and, turning size
ran along the path, followed by the others
She had proceeded but n short distauce wher
she encountered Frederick Norton. She saw
that he was ashy pale-that his limbs tremblec
beneath him--thIt he iod' d'oDe..
"My fatherl" she cried; 'where il he@ For
Heavens sake, speak," and she graspcd hi:
hand, imploringly.
He did not reply at once. lie pressed his
hand several times TO his brow, then In q
| husky voice he said:
"Ile leaned against the rail-it brokc-he
has fallen over the precipice"'
"Great Heavenl Nv father! my poor
fatherl' she shrielied, anu fell senseless
(To BE CONTINUED.